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Ricardo rates Hammers star

By Lucas Brown

MANCHESTER UNITED keeper Ricardo has heaped praise on West Ham's David James ahead of the FA Cup tie between the two teams at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Spanish international claims the former Watford, Liverpool and Aston Villa man&nbsp;has made the biggest impression on him since his arrival in England.

"David James, of West Ham, I knew about," he revealed. "But he has impressed me even more now I have seen him live.

"James and Paul Robinson of Leeds are the two best goalkeepers that I have seen in England.

"I think that the England team has some very good choices in this position."

James was in outstanding form during the struggling Hammers' defeat to Arsenal last weekend, but conceded four goals in the midweek reverse to Charlton Athletic.

Ricardo, who was taken off due to injury with his side a goal down during the reserve team's humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Everton on Thursday evening, has also expressed his admiration for another Premiership keeper - Manchester City's former United favourite Peter Schmeichel.

"Peter Schmeichel is a great goalkeeper," he told Don Balon. "I also like Francesco Toldo of Inter very much."